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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n divine_a faith_n infallible_a 2,243 5 9.9055 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61545 A discourse concerning the nature and grounds of the certainty of faith in answer to J.S., his Catholick letters / by Edw. Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1688 (1688) Wing S5582; ESTC R14787 74,966 133

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credibility_n afford_v such_o evidence_n because_o that_o necessitate_v assent_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o resolve_v faith_n not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a but_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n i_o need_v produce_v no_o more_o to_o show_v what_o a_o stranger_n mr._n s._n be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o own_o church_n or_o else_o what_o a_o obstinate_a opposer_n he_o be_v of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o chief_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o very_o different_a they_o be_v from_o those_o of_o the_o catholic_n letter_n to_o sum_v up_o brief_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n i._o i_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n viz._n that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v profess_v by_o we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o intrinsic_a ground_n of_o it_o ii_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v therein_o contain_v iii_o the_o general_a certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n in_o true_a believer_n according_a to_o their_o own_o divine_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o conclusive_a evidence_n or_o intrinsic_a ground_n but_o a_o inward_a perception_n cause_v by_o divine_a grace_n iu._n particular_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n v._o where_o any_o proposition_n be_v impose_v as_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o other_o deny_v those_o who_o impose_v be_v bind_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o as_o such_o and_o not_o those_o who_o reject_v they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n as_o to_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o negative_n any_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n any_o further_a than_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n and_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v consequent_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o or_o deduce_v from_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o as_o such_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o set_v this_o controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o its_o true_a light_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o mr._n s._n do_v object_n against_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v conceal_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o a_o argument_n his_o raillery_n i_o despise_v and_o his_o impertinency_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o i._o that_o which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o argument_n be_v what_o he_o have_v set_v out_o by_o way_n of_o proposition_n in_o his_o first_o letter_n 1._o god_n have_v leave_v we_o some_o way_n to_o know_v what_o sure_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 2._o therefore_o this_o way_n must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o end_v it_o be_v intend_v for_o i._n e._n know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 3._o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o that_o way_n for_o we_o experience_v presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o for_o example_n both_o take_v that_o way_n yet_o differ_v in_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n 4._o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v or_o sure_o to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith._n 5._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v sure_o at_o right_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o upon_o set_v down_o this_o mr._n saint_n be_v sensible_a he_o have_v play_v his_o best_a card_n can_v help_v a_o little_a express_v the_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o game_n i_o do_v not_o say_v he_o expect_v any_o answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n as_o short_a as_o it_o be_v and_o as_o plain_a and_o as_o near_o as_o it_o touch_v your_o copyhold_n alas_o for_o i_o that_o be_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o gamester_n but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o disappoint_v he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o show_n of_o reason_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v by_o make_v it_o appear_v i._o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o false_a supposition_n ii_o that_o it_o destroy_v any_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o his_o own_o admire_a oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n i._o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o false_a supposition_n as._n 1._o that_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v attain_v where_o there_o be_v no_o infallibility_n for_o if_o man_n may_v arrive_v at_o certainty_n where_o there_o be_v a_o general_a possibility_n of_o deception_n all_o this_o seem_a demonstration_n come_v to_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v in_o who_o allow_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n and_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n be_v which_o mr._n s._n little_a think_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o seepticism_n viz._n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n unless_o man_n can_v find_v out_o such_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o what_o be_v false_a as_o he_o may_v have_v learn_v in_o cicero_n lucullus_n without_o send_v he_o to_o pyrrho_n scholar_n and_o till_o zeno_n and_o his_o disciple_n pretend_v to_o find_v out_o this_o scepticism_n gain_v little_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o yield_v to_o that_o principle_n that_o no_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v have_v without_o it_o than_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n be_v give_v they_o which_o they_o improve_a according_o but_o the_o more_o judicious_a philosopher_n be_v force_v to_o quit_v the_o stoic_n infallible_a mark_n and_o to_o proceed_v upon_o such_o evidence_n of_o perception_n and_o sense_n and_o ratiocination_n as_o may_v in_o thing_n not_o self-evident_a form_n a_o assent_n which_o exclude_v all_o reasonable_a doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n but_o still_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_v the_o most_o deceive_v as_o epicurus_n think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n in_o sense_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v infallible_a and_o from_o hence_o he_o run_v into_o that_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v real_o no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o our_o sense_n for_o he_o go_v just_a upon_o mr._n s._n his_o principle_n if_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o deception_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a certainty_n and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o hypothesis_n the_o sun_n must_v be_v no_o big_a than_o a_o bonfire_n but_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n take_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n which_o though_o not_o infallible_a may_v give_v such_o evidence_n as_o afford_v certainty_n where_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n as_o in_o physical_a and_o moral_a thing_n i_o grant_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o talk_v most_o and_o best_a of_o demonstration_n fall_v wonderful_o short_a of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o apply_v notion_n to_o thing_n and_o the_o demonstration_n they_o make_v be_v to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n in_o the_o promote_a of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n etc._n etc._n but_o their_o physical_a speculation_n be_v very_o far_o from_o it_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o a_o certainty_n be_v attainable_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o moral_n they_o know_v and_o confess_v there_o can_v be_v no_o demonstration_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o profess_v a_o true_a certainty_n they_o have_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o real_a difference_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o own_v some_o moral_a principle_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a as_o that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o evil_a to_o be_v avoid_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o particular_a case_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o best_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v some_o thing_n good_a and_o other_o evil._n and_o although_o they_o can_v not_o proceed_v with_o equal_a certainty_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o in_o some_o they_o have_v clear_a evidence_n and_o in_o other_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n
if_o there_o be_v oral_a tradition_n for_o it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o not_o then_o notwithstanding_o oral_a tradition_n dangerous_a doctrine_n may_v get_v in_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o perfection_n than_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a way_n of_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son._n iii_o by_o a_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o secret_a tradition_n and_o thus_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o corrupt_v by_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n of_o a_o more_o purify_n nature_n than_o the_o plain_a and_o common_a doctrine_n teach_v to_o all_o people_n by_o the_o apostle_n so_o hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n affirm_v 22._o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v corrupt_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n irenaeus_n so_o that_o tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o error_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o the_o public_a tradition_n can_v not_o hinder_v this_o come_n in_o of_o error_n because_o the_o secret_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a the_o other_o be_v only_o for_o babe_n and_o this_o for_o grow_v christian_n iv._o by_o difference_n among_o church-guide_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o samosatenian_a arian_n pelagian_a nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n neither_o of_o the_o party_n disow_v scripture_n or_o tradition_n and_o those_o who_o be_v just_o condemn_v pretend_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o both_o and_o if_o such_o flame_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v so_o much_o near_a the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v it_o so_o long_o after_o v._o by_o too_o great_a a_o veneration_n to_o some_o particular_a teacher_n not_o far_o from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n in_o regard_n to_o their_o learning_n or_o piety_n which_o make_v their_o disciple_n despise_v tradition_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o notion_n and_o thus_o origen_n opinion_n come_v to_o prevail_v so_o much_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mixture_n of_o platonism_n with_o christianity_n prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o several_a error_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o soul_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o point_n vi_o by_o compliance_n with_o some_o gentile_a superstition_n in_o hope_n to_o gain_v more_o easy_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o tutelar_a deity_n it_o be_v think_v no_o imprudent_a thing_n in_o some_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o paganism_n be_v renounce_v to_o humour_v the_o people_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o they_o be_v accommodate_v to_o christianity_n but_o other_o vehement_o oppose_v this_o method_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a 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trick_n to_o avoid_v it_o if_o then_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n all_o these_o way_n what_o a_o vain_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o pretend_v that_o oral_a tradition_n will_v keep_v from_o any_o possibility_n of_o error_n and_o so_o i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o his_o last_o proposition_n that_o if_o man_n do_v innovate_v in_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v either_o through_o forgetfulness_n or_o malice_n for_o i_o have_v show_v many_o other_o cause_n beside_o these_o especial_o since_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n how_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o charge_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v come_v into_o it_o my_o design_n here_o be_v only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o there_o remain_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v any_o consideration_n 1._o about_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n 2._o about_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n proceed_v on_o tradition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o easy_a dispatch_n i._o as_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o require_v any_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n which_o we_o do_v assert_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o it_o lay_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o natural_a infallibility_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v infallible_a ground_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v they_o we_o find_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o now_o to_o avoid_v the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n this_o divine_a faith_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v mere_a human_a faith_n 24._o and_o so_o human_a faith_n be_v say_v to_o have_v infallible_a ground_n but_o divine_a faith_n must_v shift_v for_o itself_o for_o say_v j._n s._n it_o be_v confess_v and_o ever_o be_v that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n beget_v only_o human_a faith_n as_o its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o bring_v it_o up_o to_o christ_n it_o lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v divine_a well_o but_o what_o infallible_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o divine_a faith_n where_o do_v that_o fix_v be_v it_o on_o the_o infallibibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o we_o may_v have_v divine_a faith_n without_o it_o if_o it_o do_v then_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a mean_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o pelagianism_n ii_o that_o he_o exclude_v the_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n 155._o from_o piece_v out_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o exclude_v the_o will_n assistance_n in_o these_o word_n that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a 157._o and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_n assistance_n how_o then_o can_v a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pelagianism_n to_o exclude_v it_o therefore_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o i_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n resolve_v all_o into_o a_o mere_a human_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o no_o he_o say_v he_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 27._o how_o ridiculous_a be_v this_o for_o do_v not_o pelagius_n and_o coelestius_n the_o very_a same_o and_o the_o thing_n i_o charge_v upon_o they_o be_v that_o they_o go_v no_o far_o upon_o this_o principle_n than_o they_o do_v upon_o this_o he_o ask_v a_o very_a impertinent_a question_n but_o if_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o know_v what_o clamour_n will_v follow_v pray_v do_v you_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a human_a faith_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o or_o they_o be_v mere_o human_a what_o occasion_n have_v i_o give_v for_o such_o a_o question_n but_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v a_o design_n among_o some_o to_o make_v i_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v no_o christian._n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v the_o malice_n of_o such_o men._n i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v better_a ground_n for_o my_o faith_n than_o oral_a tradition_n i_o do_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mere_a man_n even_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o his_o apostle_n have_v infallible_a assistance_n in_o deliver_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o present_a question_n i_o perceive_v some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v hard_o pinch_v cry_v out_o that_o their_o adversary_n be_v atheist_n or_o socinian_n etc._n etc._n and_o hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o divert_v they_o
be_v i._o to_o show_v how_o unfit_a j._n s._n of_o all_o man_n be_v to_o undertake_v this_o cause_n ii_o to_o settle_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o iii_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n he_o produce_v against_o our_o ground_n of_o certainty_n iv._o to_o lay_v open_a the_o weakness_n of_o his_o argument_n on_o behalf_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n i._o as_o to_o j._n s._n his_o appear_v in_o this_o cause_n again_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o in_o his_o catholic_n letter_n he_o frequent_o own_v faith_n vindicate_v reason_n against_o raillery_n and_o error_n nonplus_v and_o even_o sure_o foot_v itself_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o he_o disown_v the_o main_a principle_n in_o those_o book_n when_o he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v censure_v at_o rome_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o produce_v they_o again_o the_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n will_v give_v great_a light_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n and_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v to_o it_o out_o of_o those_o book_n of_o j._n s._n a_o considerable_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n select_v three_o proposition_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v these_o 13._o i._o that_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v faith_n proposition_n true_a must_v see_v the_o connexion_n between_o their_o term_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o can_v be_v unconnect_v or_o false_a 41._o ii_o if_o the_o two_o term_n be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v connect_v these_o proposition_n may_v nay_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o respondent_fw-la who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o grant_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a lest_o he_o ensnare_v himself_o 135._o iii_o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n in_o divers_a particular_a believer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a or_o that_o those_o person_n be_v infallible_o certain_a by_o evident_a reason_n that_o the_o authority_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o rely_v on_o can_v herein_o deceive_v they_o else_o great_a wit_n and_o acute_a reflecter_n who_o pierce_a understand_n require_v convictive_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n will_v remain_v for_o ever_o unsatisfied_a nor_o will_v the_o wise_a christian_n sincere_o and_o hearty_o assent_v to_o nor_o with_o honesty_n profess_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o can_v any_o prove_v it_o true_a or_o establish_v rational_a doubter_n in_o it_o or_o convert_v man_n of_o exact_a knowledge_n to_o it_o or_o convince_v heretic_n call_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o question_n nor_o can_v governor_n and_o lead_a person_n with_o any_o conscience_n or_o credit_n propose_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o generality_n these_o proposition_n be_v tender_v to_o two_o doctor_n of_o the_o sorbon_n who_o declare_v 38._o the_o first_o can_v not_o be_v explain_v in_o a_o catholic_n sense_n and_o therefore_o very_o unfit_a for_o catholic_n letter_n for_o if_o say_v they_o a_o person_n see_v the_o connexion_n between_o the_o term_n it_o will_v be_v science_n and_o not_o faith_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o see_v they_o not_o to_o be_v contradictory_n or_o that_o the_o connexion_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n divine_a faith_n be_v above_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o second_o they_o agree_v that_o neither_o can_v that_o be_v explain_v in_o a_o catholic_n sense_n because_o it_o be_v destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o a_o proposition_n ought_v not_o can_v be_v deny_v although_o the_o respondent_fw-la have_v not_o evidence_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v when_o he_o otherwise_o know_v the_o church_n which_o faith_n not_o demonstration_n teach_v to_o be_v infallible_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o propose_v as_o a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god._n to_o the_o three_o they_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v explain_v in_o a_o catholic_n sense_n because_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o church_n be_v believe_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o evident_a reason_n see_v here_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o catholic_n letter_n declare_v to_o be_v no_o catholic_n doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v infallible_a certainty_n by_o conclusive_a evidence_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o catholic_n doctrine_n i_o be_o infallible_o certain_a his_o letter_n be_v far_o from_o be_v catholic_n in_o their_o sense_n one_o of_o these_o doctor_n write_v to_o the_o a._n b._n of_o d._n that_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n can_v not_o be_v catholic_n and_o that_o all_o bishop_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v this_o doctrine_n lest_o it_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o christ._n 39_o and_o that_o the_o a._n b._n of_o paris_n will_v revoke_v his_o licence_n if_o the_o author_n do_v not_o retract_v they_o as_o he_o hope_v he_o will_v what_o retract_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o catholic_n letter_n be_v this_o possible_a and_o yet_o again_o publish_v the_o same_o doctrine_n as_o catholic_n this_o be_v indeed_o very_o surprise_v but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o the_o a._n b._n of_o d._n averr_v that_o j._n s._n confess_v the_o proposition_n to_o be_v heretical_a 39_o yea_o very_a heretical_a but_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o take_v in_o his_o sense_n which_o the_o other_o say_v be_v a_o ridiculous_a plea._n he_o grant_v that_o j._n s._n may_v contradict_v himself_o 40._o but_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o say_v the_o proposition_n be_v not_o take_v in_o their_o true_a sense_n 42._o and_o mr._n s._n be_v require_v by_o the_o a._n b._n of_o paris_n to_o anathematise_v these_o proposition_n and_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o censure_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v explain_v in_o a_o catholic_n sense_n 44._o he_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o he_o in_o his_o catholic_n letter_n be_v not_o such_o a_o man_n fit_a to_o hold_v the_o card_n for_o mr._n g._n who_o make_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o be_v heretical_a and_o catholic_n as_o his_o circumstance_n require_v and_o in_o his_o own_o language_n he_o go_v backward_o and_o forward_o 65._o blow_n and_o sup_v declare_v for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n of_o j._n s._n be_v complain_v of_o at_o rome_n and_o a_o congregation_n of_o cardinal_n be_v appoint_v to_o examine_v it_o blakloan_n and_o they_o send_v their_o instruction_n about_o it_o to_o the_o pope_n nuncio_n at_o paris_n where_o j._n s._n then_o be_v and_o therein_o they_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o his_o vindication_n send_v to_o they_o he_o detest_v that_o doctrine_n as_o heretical_a viz._n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o predicate_a and_o subject_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o believer_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a he_o can_v be_v deceive_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith._n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o mark_v this_o declaration_n which_o j._n s._n send_v to_o rome_n and_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o catholic_n letter_n but_o of_o that_o hereafter_o but_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o show_v with_o what_o a_o double_a face_n i._n s._n appear_v in_o his_o vindication_n and_o complaint_n send_v to_o rome_n and_o in_o his_o book_n which_o he_o publish_v here_o and_o by_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o catholic_n sincerity_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o letter_n i._o about_o the_o faith_n he_o design_n to_o demonstrate_v faith_n vindicated_n preface_n i_o declare_v then_o that_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o settle_v christian_a faith_n or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o must_v be_v true_o or_o absolute_o certain_a and_o that_o my_o apply_v it_o now_o and_o then_o to_o my_o opposer_n be_v only_o a_o secondary_a intention_n and_o mere_o occasional_a querimonia_fw-la advers._fw-la lominum_fw-la p._n 49._o he_o say_v he_o speak_v not_o of_o faith_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o be_v controvert_v among_o we_o the_o same_o he_o affirm_v p._n 145_o 146._o that_o he_o meddle_v not_o with_o faith_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o adversary_n or_o as_o it_o be_v dispute_v between_o catholic_n and_o those_o he_o call_v heretic_n p._n 148._o if_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o settle_v christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o true_o and_o absolute_o certain_a and_o only_o secondary_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o opposer_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o faith_n in_o itself_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o opposer_n be_v not_o this_o a_o
brave_a undertaker_n to_o make_v faith_n infallible_o certain_a who_o so_o evident_o contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o own_o design_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o he_o must_v pretend_v to_o make_v faith_n certain_a in_o itself_o but_o at_o rome_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v we_o as_o though_o his_o demonstration_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o sort_n of_o metaphysical_a trap_n to_o catch_v heretic_n with_o but_o we_o be_v glad_a to_o see_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o faith_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o make_v absolute_o certain_a by_o they_o ii_o about_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o they_o reason_n against_o raillery_n pag._n 55._o the_o strange_a and_o wise_a soul_n be_v unapt_a to_o assent_v but_o upon_o evidence_n hence_o unless_o such_o man_n see_v proof_n absolute_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a they_o be_v unapt_a to_o be_v draw_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o as_o certain_a truth_n nothing_o can_v rational_o subdue_v the_o faculty_n of_o suspending_a in_o such_o man_n at_o least_o but_o true_a evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n work_v this_o clear_a sight_n in_o they_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o by_o effect_n or_o cause_n necessary_o connect_v with_o it_o other_o evidence_n i_o know_v none_o faith_n vindicated_n p._n 12_o 13._o the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o make_v the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v whoever_o therefore_o see_v not_o the_o connexion_n between_o those_o notion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n see_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o those_o proposition_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v faith-proposition_n true_a must_v see_v the_o connexion_n between_o those_o term_n in_o his_o declaration_n send_v to_o rome_n p._n 11_o 13._o he_o not_o only_o express_v his_o assent_n to_o these_o proposition_n but_o that_o the_o contrary_a to_o they_o be_v false_a destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o heretical_a viz._n i._o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v evident_a or_o demonstrable_a by_o natural_a reason_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o ii_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o believe_v such_o object_n of_o faith_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o know_v evident_o the_o connexion_n of_o predicate_a and_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v propose_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o let_v any_o man_n try_v how_o he_o can_v reconcile_v these_o thing_n 1_o nothing_o can_v subdue_v rational_o the_o faculty_n of_o suspend_v but_o true_a evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o faith_n and_o heretical_a to_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v demonstrable_a by_o natural_a reason_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o true_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n a_o natural_a reason_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v 2_o he_o that_o see_v not_o the_o connexion_n between_o predicate_a and_o subject_a see_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o faith-proposition_n and_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v they_o must_v see_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o order_n to_o believe_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o see_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v heretical_a to_o assert_v it_o iii_o about_o infallible_a assent_n reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 113._o it_o be_v most_o evident_a therefore_o and_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o where_o there_o be_v infallibility_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v true_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n till_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v we_o see_v ourselves_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o that_o very_a thing_n in_o his_o declaration_n p._n 11_o 13._o he_o own_v this_o proposition_n to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v heretical_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v know_v evident_o his_o assent_n to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n till_o we_o see_v ourselves_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o say_v it_o be_v heretical_a to_o assert_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o believe_v to_o know_v his_o assent_n to_o be_v infallible_a for_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o know_v we_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o assent_n and_o that_o it_o be_v infallible_a but_o here_o he_o will_v hope_v to_o escape_v by_o join_v supernatural_a to_o infallible_a and_o so_o he_o overreach_v the_o cardinal_n by_o put_v those_o together_o for_o his_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pure_a natural_a infallibility_n iv._o about_o the_o medium_n of_o faith_n use_v by_o he_o sure_a footing_n p._n 172._o he_o reject_v extrinsical_a medium_n as_o insufficient_a and_o require_v intrinsecal_n faith_n vindicated_n preface_n at_o the_o end_n he_o own_v his_o discourse_n to_o be_v build_v on_o intrinsecal_n medium_n error_n nonplus_v p._n 169._o he_o require_v clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v a_o firm_a assent_n page_n 170_o 171._o he_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o true_a certainty_n that_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n and_o true_a certainty_n he_o say_v be_v build_v on_o the_o thing_n be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v true_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o subscription_n to_o the_o instruction_n from_o rome_n p._n 12._o he_o deny_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o intrinsecal_n requisite_n to_o faith_n but_o only_o of_o extrinsecal_n and_o this_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v against_o his_o own_o plain_a word_n in_o his_o declaration_n sect._n 3._o pag._n 34_o etc._n etc._n how_o can_v intrinsical_v medium_n and_o evidence_n from_o the_o object_n be_v only_o extrinsical_a pre-requisites_a v._o about_o human_n and_o divine_a faith._n faith_n vindicated_n p._n 73._o divine_a faith_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o firmness_n in_o it_o than_o any_o human_a faith_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o since_o human_a faith_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o stability_n divine_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a aught_o to_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v and_o consequent_o more_o high_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a error_n nonplus_v p._n 143._o he_o speak_v express_o of_o divine_a faith._n in_o his_o vindication_n p._n 97._o he_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o faith_n formal_o as_o human_n and_o not_o as_o formal_o divine_a what_o evidence_n can_v there_o be_v like_o a_o man_n plain_a word_n be_v not_o that_o divine_a faith_n which_o he_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v all_o this_o while_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n formal_o divine_a and_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o a_o faith_n formal_o human._n and_o yet_o j._n s._n affirm_v that_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n must_v derive_v its_o infallible_a certainty_n from_o a_o mere_a natural_a infallibility_n or_o if_o it_o be_v but_o human_a faith_n he_o mean_v than_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o he_o promise_v which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o divine_a faith._n and_o thus_o the_o trap-maker_n be_v catch_v himself_o vi_o about_o particular_a point_n of_o faith._n error_n nonplus_v p._n 161._o i_o think_v he_o have_v mean_v certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o his_o faith._n what_o we_o be_v then_o in_o reason_n to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n be_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o ground_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o to_o determinate_a point_n viz._n christ_n godhead_n a_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 167._o see_v then_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n true_a as_o to_o those_o point_n of_o a_o trinity_n for_o example_n or_o incarnation_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v affirm_v and_o hold_v that_o a_o trinity_n or_o incarnation_n absolute_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v declaration_n p._n 50._o he_o peremptory_o assert_v and_o challenge_v his_o adversary_n to_o show_v the_o contrary_a that_o he_o produce_v not_o one_o argument_n to_o prove_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a or_o supernatural_a but_o only_o that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o he_o frequent_o insist_o upon_o and_o be_v the_o
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ability_n or_o their_o say_n this_o or_o that_o this_o latter_a be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o be_v universal_o believe_v since_o the_o school_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v break_v up_o wherefore_o till_o those_o ground_n be_v produce_v it_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n hold_v truth_n this_o be_v great_a and_o become_v the_o scientifical_a i._n s._n but_o will_v he_o hold_v to_o this_o will_v he_o own_v it_o to_o the_o cardinal_n of_o the_o inquisition_n i_o find_v a_o certain_a gentleman_n with_o the_o very_a fame_n letter_n j._n s._n writing_n two_o whole_a section_n wherein_o he_o deny_v that_o ever_o he_o meddle_v with_o intrinsic_n medium_n 1677._o or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o shall_v but_o p._n t._n be_v then_o live_v and_o follow_v he_o close_o at_o rome_n now_o that_o fright_n be_v over_o out_o come_v intrinsic_n ground_n again_o and_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v any_o thing_n as_o truth_n till_o those_o ground_n be_v produce_v suppose_v a_o man_n assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a on_o mere_o extrinsical_a ground_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n have_v this_o man_n true_a faith_n or_o not_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v the_o intrinsical_a ground_n which_o prove_v truth_n to_o be_v truth_n do_v that_o man_n sin_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v the_o intrinsic_n ground_n for_o it_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o mortal_a or_o venial_a how_o far_o may_v a_o man_n safe_o deny_v that_o which_o he_o can_v with_o reason_n hold_v to_o be_v true_a how_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n live_v may_v this_o doctrine_n have_v save_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n how_o may_v the_o poor_a innocent_a christian_n have_v plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v see_v no_o intrinsic_n ground_n which_o make_v truth_n to_o be_v truth_n and_o they_o understand_v from_o a_o deep_a divine_a that_o till_o those_o ground_n be_v produce_v it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v truth_n and_o if_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v it_o may_v sure_o in_o our_o very_a hard_a circumstance_n with_o reason_n be_v deny_v or_o at_o least_o conceal_a and_o dissemble_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o danger_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n without_o it_o than_o in_o not_o own_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o produce_v intrinsic_n ground_n for_o it_o and_o these_o be_v far_o above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o if_o it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v truth_n without_o it_o it_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o require_v we_o to_o die_v for_o it_o what_o say_v j._n s._n to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o hear_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o see_v his_o miracle_n do_v they_o sin_n in_o their_o infidelity_n or_o not_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o he_o prove_v that_o they_o see_v intrinsic_n ground_n for_o what_o they_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n charge_v they_o with_o very_o great_a sin_n in_o their_o infidelity_n 15.22_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n will_v not_o answer_v i_o about_o these_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v some_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o paris_n with_o tace_fw-la tace_fw-la interrumpis_fw-la &_o confundis_fw-la i_o 317._o this_o very_a instance_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o bring_v against_o he_o by_o dr._n g._n and_o he_o say_v that_o only_o those_o jew_n sin_v who_o have_v clear_a evidence_n that_o christ_n miracle_n be_v true_a and_o supernatural_a but_o a._n b._n of_o d._n then_o urge_v 318._o that_o if_o they_o have_v such_o evidence_n they_o can_v not_o have_v inward_a unbelief_n nor_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n or_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n to_o which_o j._n s._n reply_v tace_fw-la nolo_fw-la tibi_fw-la respondere_fw-la i_o hope_v he_o be_v better_a provide_v of_o a_o answer_n now_o and_o that_o he_o will_v show_v wherein_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n lay_v who_o do_v not_o profess_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o can_v not_o produce_v any_o intrinsic_n ground_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v prove_v by_o we_o 6._o he_o tell_v i_o that_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o to_o prove_v protestant_n have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v no_o hard_a task_n even_o for_o a_o weak_a man_n i_o know_v he_o say_v that_o any_o man_n may_v find_v it_o confess_v to_o his_o hand_n by_o protestant_n and_o in_o the_o margin_n he_o cite_v dr._n tillotson_n rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 117_o 118._o i_o wonder_v at_o mr._n s_n courage_n that_o he_o dare_v mention_v that_o book_n to_o which_o he_o have_v so_o many_o year_n be_v indebt_v for_o a_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o have_v offer_v towards_o it_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n he_o have_v again_o retract_v as_o to_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o censure_n at_o rome_n and_o which_o he_o advance_v out_o of_o opposition_n to_o those_o of_o that_o book_n which_o he_o quote_v here_o so_o that_o j._n s._n by_o disow_v those_o principle_n of_o he_o have_v justify_v dr._n t._n and_o have_v overthrow_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o own_o faith._n for_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o his_o own_o word_n that_o he_o own_v moral_a evidence_n to_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a for_o faith_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n from_o whence_o he_o prove_v that_o protestant_n have_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o their_o faith._n but_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v
of_o faith_n and_o have_v he_o find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n too_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n there_o be_v still_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v want_v and_o then_o a_o absolute_a submission_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o one_o that_o have_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o my_o whole_a argument_n there_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o i_o see_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o give_v or_o pretend_v but_o only_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt._n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o long_a argument_n about_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o sum_v up_o my_o answer_n in_o these_o particular_n i._o every_o christian_n as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v a_o capacity_n of_o judge_v concern_v it_o ii_o every_o christian_a proceed_v according_o to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o judge_v have_v reason_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith._n iii_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a in_o all_o necessary_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v such_o assistance_n to_o they_o that_o sincere_o seek_v it_o that_o none_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iv._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n every_o christian_a have_v a_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o not_o v._o we_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o same_o faculty_n of_o judge_v in_o doubtful_a point_n of_o controversy_n which_o we_o do_v as_o to_o matter_n that_o immediate_o concern_v their_o salvation_n vi_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n or_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o right_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allow_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v infallible_a vii_o this_o right_n of_o judge_v do_v not_o exclude_v the_o church_n due_a authority_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v art._n 20._o of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o that_o we_o now_o plead_v for_o be_v not_o any_o authority_n as_o to_o other_o but_o a_o right_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o salvation_n viii_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o they_o depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n about_o they_o which_o imply_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o make_v their_o faith_n divine_a both_o as_o to_o its_o principle_n its_o ground_n and_o its_o effect_n but_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o end_v his_o objection_n about_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 34._o vi_o he_o object_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v it_o i_o think_v we_o must_v resolve_v it_o into_o a_o write_a rule_n till_o we_o see_v another_o prove_v do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n go_v with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n or_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n doubtless_o with_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n or_o be_v those_o word_n a_o jot_n less_o sacred_a when_o they_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n than_o when_o they_o put_v they_o in_o a_o book_n not_o one_o jot_n or_o last_o do_v any_o command_n from_o christ_n appear_v to_o 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the_o great_a certainty_n iii_o those_o write_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o thence_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o receive_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n iv._o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith._n v._o the_o most_o certain_a way_n we_o now_o have_v to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v by_o their_o write_n since_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v but_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v certain_a what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v vii_o he_o object_n that_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o give_v no_o direct_a answer_n 40._o but_o shuffle_v it_o off_o to_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o set_v out_o of_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o some_o page_n to_o which_o i_o give_v a_o easy_a answer_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v take_v in_o two_o sense_n 1._o as_o relate_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v most_o direct_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o second_o question_n that_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o since_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v there_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v there_o that_o must_v contain_v the_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o the_o word_n all_o must_v relate_v to_o that_o 2._o as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o particular_a person_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o the_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o universal_a testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o i_o e._n all_o particular_a christian_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n my_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o apposite_a to_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a i._n e._n all_o particular_a person_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ii_o that_o although_o all_o particular_a person_n may_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iii_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o both_o these_o be_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o the_o word_n of_o my_o letter_n be_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v 17._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o sole_a and_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o testimony_n which_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o do_v deliver_v all_o the_o necessary_a article_n as_o contain_v therein_o
be_v a_o great_a variety_n as_o to_o other_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o will_v compare_v the_o ancient_a creed_n as_o i_o have_v late_o show_v and_o these_o main_a article_n be_v those_o which_o aquinas_n call_v the_o prima_fw-la credibilia_fw-la which_o be_v therefore_o reveal_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n ii_o there_o be_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o that_o cajaphas_n be_v high_a priest_n when_o christ_n suffer_v that_o there_o be_v two_o malefactor_n who_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n sepulchre_n no_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n can_v doubt_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o make_v these_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o necessary_a because_o they_o have_v no_o immediate_a reference_n to_o salvation_n which_o may_v have_v be_v as_o effectual_o carry_v on_o if_o there_o have_v be_v another_o high_a priest_n or_o christ_n have_v lie_v in_o another_o sepulchre_n but_o in_o these_o point_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n from_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n iii_o there_o be_v doctrinal_a point_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n about_o which_o some_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o certainty_n than_o other_o and_o the_o same_o measure_n be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o because_o man_n capacity_n be_v not_o equal_a if_o they_o do_v use_v equal_a diligence_n and_o all_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o diligence_n that_o some_o be_v as_o to_o the_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n god_n be_v not_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v no_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o i_o as_o j._n s._n will_v insinuate_v but_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o their_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a school-divines_a as_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o donum_fw-la intellectus_fw-la 2._o and_o the_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la which_o secure_a man_n from_o error_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o salvation_n if_o he_o have_v therefore_o such_o a_o inveterate_a spleen_n against_o this_o doctrine_n let_v he_o attaque_fw-la the_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v in_o term_n assert_v the_o same_o which_o i_o have_v do_v and_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v j._n s._n demonstrate_v against_o aquinas_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o security_n from_o error_n in_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n where_o ever_o god_n bestow_v true_a grace_n as_o to_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o do_v not_o affirm_v there_o be_v any_o such_o ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v only_o concern_v as_o to_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o question_n the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o it_o be_v sufficient_a here_o to_o observe_v that_o even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o the_o fide_fw-la and_o consequent_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v to_o they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o require_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o deny_v to_o be_v point_n of_o faith._n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v ask_v they_o what_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v as_o to_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n and_o assumption_n of_o the_o b._n virgin_n or_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o these_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o ask_v after_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n pretend_v the_o same_o we_o say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o demand_v of_o we_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o never_o pretend_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o man_n impose_v false_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n upon_o we_o as_o transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n we_o insist_v upon_o the_o common_a right_n of_o mankind_n not_o to_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o the_o right_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o believe_v what_o have_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o tradition_n for_o it_o and_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o reject_v the_o additional_a creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o we_o make_v they_o no_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o if_o other_o do_v make_v they_o so_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o negative_n and_o far_o than_o this_o we_o go_v not_o in_o such_o point_n and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o protestant_a faith_n he_o have_v my_o answer_n iv._o the_o general_a reason_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o from_o conclusive_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o from_o some_o high_a cause_n and_o this_o mr._n s._n ought_v to_o know_v have_v be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n ever_o since_o divinity_n have_v be_v bring_v into_o they_o i_o except_o only_o one_o franciscus_n de_fw-fr marchia_n who_o require_v conclusive_a evidence_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o be_v dispute_v against_o by_o gregorius_n ariminensis_n 1._o and_o he_o say_v his_o doctrine_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o paris_n and_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n 4._o speak_v of_o he_o with_o great_a contempt_n for_o hold_v so_o absurd_a a_o doctrine_n the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n to_o be_v above_o opinion_n and_o below_o science_n by_o which_o they_o understand_v the_o intrinsic_n ground_n on_o which_o truth_n be_v build_v which_o mr._n s._n make_v necessary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o hugo_n de_fw-fr sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la say_v 373._o that_o the_o high_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o pure_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o immediate_a divine_a influence_n petrus_n pictaviensis_n 21._o that_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o evidence_n but_o adherence_n guliel_n parisiensis_fw-la prove_v conclusive_a evidence_n repugnant_a to_o faith_n 1._o in_o a_o long_a discourse_n gul._n antissiodorensis_n 2._o think_v rational_a evidence_n good_a to_o support_v and_o defend_v the_o faith_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o but_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o a_o adherence_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o prime_a verity_n alex._n alensis_n say_v likewise_o 2._o its_o certainty_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o speculation_n but_o in_o inward_a affection_n and_o adherence_n there_o be_v he_o say_v a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o acquisite_a faith_n which_o rely_v on_o reason_n and_o testimony_n but_o this_o he_o say_v be_v mere_o natural_a and_o preparatory_a to_o divine_a faith._n bonaventure_n say_v 4._o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n be_v beyond_o that_o of_o speculation_n because_o a_o martyr_n may_v have_v doubt_n and_o yet_o die_v for_o his_o faith._n thomas_n aquinas_n think_v those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v demonstration_n for_o faith_n c·_n expose_v it_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o infidel_n and_o he_o resolve_v the_o inward_a certainty_n of_o faith_n into_o divine_a illumination_n when_o the_o objection_n be_v put_v that_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v not_o be_v resolve_v into_o first_o principle_n which_o mr._n s._n have_v so_o long_o and_o so_o vain_o pretend_v to_o henricus_fw-la gandavensis_n say_v there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n fall_v much_o short_a of_o that_o of_o science_n and_o he_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o of_o all_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n scotus_n distinguish_v between_o acquisite_a and_o human_a faith_n and_o divine_a or_o infuse_v faith_n 15._o but_o he_o deny_v any_o infallibility_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o former_a 9_o durandus_fw-la deny_v faith_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o conclusive_a evidence_n and_o that_o the_o motive_n of_o
thing_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o these_o point_n be_v own_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o man_n may_v understand_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o be_v the_o bind_v i_o keep_v myself_o within_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o not_o we_o may_v err_v without_o prejudice_n to_o our_o salvation_n mr_n s._n ask_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nothing_o but_o what_o all_o other_o do_v mean_a by_o it_o 48._o do_v christ_n say_v he_o teach_v any_o unnecessary_a point_n alas_o for_o he_o but_o be_v all_o point_v teach_v by_o christ_n or_o write_v in_o scripture_n equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o people_n no_o he_o say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o few_o mean_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christ_n teach_v may_v suffice_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n very_o well_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v make_v something_o of_o the_o main_a business_n in_o hand_n viz._n to_o prove_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v be_v necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o grant_v that_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o heat_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v if_o at_o last_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v it_o how_o do_v mr._n s._n prove_v that_o those_o some_o be_v only_o the_o ignorant_a people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o all_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o less_o than_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v he_o will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o privilege_n for_o ignorance_n to_o have_v be_v limit_v to_o their_o communion_n and_o that_o no_o claim_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a person_n some_o few_o he_o say_v again_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o point_n 48._o slender_a motive_n be_v enough_o for_o their_o circumstance_n i_o thank_v mr._n s._n for_o this_o it_o seem_v the_o point_n as_o to_o salvation_n be_v gain_v unless_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v none_o of_o these_o few_o but_o wherever_o they_o be_v it_o seem_v they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o i_o hope_v not_o without_o true_a and_o save_v faith_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o faith_n have_v no_o necessary_a relation_n to_o these_o high_a point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o they_o of_o all_o christ_n teach_v one_o of_o these_o high_a point_n be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n too_o high_a for_o i_o and_o thousand_o and_o million_o beside_o ever_o to_o apprehend_v let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a nay_o we_o can_v apprehend_v such_o be_v our_o dulness_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n if_o we_o hold_v it_o we_o hope_v therefore_o j._n s._n will_v enlarge_v his_o number_n and_o not_o talk_v only_o of_o some_o few_o that_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o deep_a mystery_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o number_n for_o true_o our_o capacity_n can_v never_o be_v stretch_v so_o far_o as_o to_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n suppose_v our_o motive_n be_v slender_a yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o move_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o reluctancy_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o tradition_n against_o it_o ibid._n but_o mr._n s._n bring_v himself_o off_o with_o a_o salvo_n though_o all_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o every_o particular_a person_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pastor_n be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o they_o and_o apply_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n as_o their_o capacity_n admit_v and_o exigency_n require_v it_o seem_v still_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n but_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o exigency_n but_o they_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o instance_n the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o very_a deep_a point_n and_o although_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o this_o deep_a point_n come_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o respect_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v j._n s._n will_v not_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o necessary_a church-point_n let_v he_o then_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o my_o capacity_n i_o assure_v he_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v excuse_v and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n my_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v cultivate_v by_o such_o elevate_a consideration_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n of_o the_o flock_n die_v 49._o or_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o full_a growth_n they_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o plentiful_a pasturage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o j._n s._n elegant_o speak_v if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n or_o any_o such_o deep_a point_n but_o still_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o high_a fundamental_o no_o we_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o from_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n it_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v as_o absolute_o certain_a as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v make_v we_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith._n but_o there_o be_v experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v best_o how_o come_v mr._n s._n to_o know_v we_o be_v not_o certain_a when_o we_o say_v we_o be_v but_o all_o be_v not_o as_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v they_o to_o we_o be_v not_o we_o certain_a because_o some_o be_v not_o certain_a what_o pitiful_a reason_v be_v this_o be_v mr._n s._n certain_a of_o his_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n oral_a tradition_n why_o do_v i_o ask_v such_o a_o question_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o there_o be_v some_o not_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o church_n but_o cry_v out_o upon_o it_o as_o fallible_a fallacious_a dangerous_a and_o destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o lead_v to_o atheism_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v on_o mr._n s_n principle_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a himself_o because_o other_o be_v not_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o certainty_n on_o his_o own_o ground_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o rule_n of_o certainty_n as_o i_o shall_v evident_o prove_v from_o his_o own_o word_n a_o rule_n must_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n absolute_a certainty_n there_o can_v be_v where_o person_n be_v leave_v uncertain_a but_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o rule_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o dispute_v against_o it_o how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o on_o his_o own_o ground_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o objection_n against_o our_o rule_n of_o faith._n 50._o viii_o j._n s._n say_v we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a of_o our_o rule_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o right_a letter_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a translation_n and_o that_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_a copy_n no_o copy_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o conformable_a to_o the_o original_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o nay_o if_o we_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o these_o we_o can_v have_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith._n this_o objection_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o the_o complete_a be_v concern_v to_o answer_n as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n
suspect_v any_o fraud_n or_o design_n in_o the_o alteration_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o manuscript_n copies_n and_o as_o to_o translation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v among_o we_o the_o people_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o original_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o faith._n not_o mere_o from_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o care_n that_o have_v be_v take_v but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o concernment_n of_o some_o man_n to_o have_v lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o translation_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v shake_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o consider_v man._n if_o it_o be_v say_v after_o all_o this_o be_v but_o human_a faith_n and_o not_o divine_a i_o answer_v iu._n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v the_o certainty_n of_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v a_o absolute_a divine_a certainty_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o human_a certainty_n and_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o have_v only_o human_a certainty_n of_o thing_n capable_a of_o divine_a certainty_n if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n than_o we_o do_v answer_v that_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a certainty_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n we_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v fulfil_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v only_o concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o whether_o the_o book_n that_o bear_v such_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a certainty_n than_o belong_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o circumstantiate_v that_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o than_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o want_v the_o proof_n that_o this_o have_v and_o if_o as_o to_o book_n and_o copy_n and_o translation_n we_o have_v as_o high_a a_o certainty_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o expect_v and_o require_v more_o for_o where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o human_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o divine_a object_n but_o must_v rest_v on_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o where_o the_o testimony_n be_v human_a the_o certainty_n must_v be_v such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o high_a of_o that_o kind_n but_o still_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o its_o kind_n and_o although_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o testimony_n it_o be_v human_a faith_n yet_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o its_o object_n its_o inward_a cause_n and_o its_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v true_o call_v divine_a ix_o the_o last_o objection_n be_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n 58._o pray_v satisfy_v we_o say_v mr._n s._n about_o this_o exact_a number_n of_o book_n and_o how_o many_o will_v just_o serve_v turn_n one_o will_v think_v by_o his_o objection_n j._n s._n be_v prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o seem_v so_o concern_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v answer_v the_o objection_n he_o offer_v 56._o 1._o there_o may_v have_v be_v book_n lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o have_v no_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v none_o lose_v and_o those_o book_n 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although_o these_o do_v then_o want_v universal_a consent_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o read_v and_o disperse_v till_o upon_o further_a examination_n they_o come_v to_o be_v universal_o read_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o probable_a they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o apostolical_a write_n to_o be_v lose_v ii_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o christian_a church_n with_o so_o gross_a a_o neglect_n as_o overthrow_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n for_o tradition_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v a_o apostolical_a write_n send_v to_o some_o church_n by_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n be_v so_o notorious_o careless_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o book_n contain_v in_o it_o many_o point_n of_o faith_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n whether_o he_o can_v trust_v their_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n who_o can_v be_v so_o negligent_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o great_a many_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o once_o and_o the_o more_o such_o a_o book_n be_v disperse_v the_o argument_n be_v still_o strong_a against_o tradition_n beside_o this_o show_v the_o great_a insufficiency_n of_o oral_a tradition_n if_o these_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v lose_v because_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lose_v wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v if_o tradition_n have_v be_v so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o convey_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v have_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n viz._n in_o preserve_v such_o matter_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o book_n be_v lose_v but_o we_o find_v nothing_o like_o this_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v although_o it_o be_v much_o easy_o pretend_v than_o prove_v iii_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o preserve_a book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n mr._n s._n do_v real_o suppose_v that_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v or_o at_o least_o that_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o considerable_a proof_n that_o they_o can_v not_o because_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v so_o immediate_o concern_v itself_o in_o preserve_v that_o which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o a_o hair_n do_v not_o fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o divine_a book_n 30._o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v whole_o lose_v especial_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o first_o christian_n take_v in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n to_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o no_o force_n or_o violence_n can_v extort_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n on_o mr._n s_n supposition_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v viz._n if_o the_o several_a book_n have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o some_o man_n in_o trust_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v it_o will_v appear_v hardly_o possible_a for_o the_o book_n be_v not_o keep_v up_o at_o first_o in_o a_o few_o hand_n but_o disperse_v abroad_o in_o multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o receive_v with_o mighty_a veneration_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o they_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a they_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o they_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a employment_n at_o home_n they_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith._n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o suppose_v any_o book_n so_o receive_v so_o
main_a of_o his_o defence_n but_o why_o then_o do_v he_o urge_v we_o to_o produce_v our_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o particular_a point_n if_o himself_o do_v not_o if_o he_o pretend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o prove_v they_o in_o general_a why_o may_v not_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o do_v the_o same_o he_o that_o call_v upon_o other_o to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o insult_a manner_n be_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o himself_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o only_a banter_n and_o abuse_n his_o reader_n and_o after_o all_o this_o mighty_a pretence_n to_o demonstration_n and_o infallibility_n the_o whole_a dispute_n come_v to_o this_o whether_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o great_a certainty_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n than_o we_o can_v do_v by_o scripture_n reason_n and_o tradition_n but_o this_o be_v against_o his_o word_n where_o he_o say_v see_v then_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n true_a as_o to_o those_o point_n of_o a_o trinity_n for_o example_n or_o incarnation_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v affirm_v and_o hold_v that_o a_o trinity_n or_o incarnation_n absolute_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v vii_o about_o moral_a certainty_n his_o whole_a book_n call_v faith_n vindicate_v be_v write_v against_o it_o and_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o it_o p._n 3._o he_o oppose_v absolute_a certainty_n to_o moral_a and_o he_o say_v those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o have_v no_o true_a faith._n page_n 17._o true_a faith_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o immovable_a ground_n can_v bear_v a_o assert_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n and_o without_o this_o he_o make_v faith_n absurd_a preternatural_a and_o irrational_a page_n 34._o moral_a certainty_n be_v in_o reality_n uncertainty_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o moral_a certainty_n be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n true_o so_o call_v the_o same_o he_o assert_n pag._n 36_o 86_o 93._o error_n nonplus_v pag._n 195._o fallible_a certainty_n destroy_v all_o efficacy_n all_o defence_n and_o even_o essence_n of_o faith._n when_o i_o read_v in_o lominus_fw-la pag._n 43._o that_o i._o s._n in_o his_o vindication_n plead_v that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o moral_a evidence_n for_o the_o assent_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n i_o can_v hardly_o believe_v he_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_v earnest_a to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o but_o even_o there_o pag._n 23._o he_o own_v it_o and_o say_v express_o that_o moral_a evidence_n be_v absolute_o sufficient_a to_o faith_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v there_o be_v more_o than_o moral_a evidence_n in_o tradition_n let_v now_o any_o indifferent_a person_n compare_v those_o assertion_n together_o if_o moral_a certainty_n be_v uncertainty_n and_o destroy_v the_o essence_n of_o faith_n how_o can_v it_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a to_o faith_n but_o beside_o the_o contradiction_n he_o have_v by_o this_o 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to_o see_v better_a but_o strike_v they_o down_o with_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n and_o here_o i_o may_v fair_o stop_v and_o send_v the_o reader_n to_o j._n s._n for_o a_o effectual_a answer_n to_o his_o own_o letter_n or_o at_o least_o to_o show_v how_o very_o unfit_a he_o be_v after_o such_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o undertake_v this_o cause_n 2._o but_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o decline_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v material_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o controversy_n as_o it_o lie_v between_o mr._n s._n and_o i_o for_o what_o concern_v another_o person_n i_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o himself_o as_o not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o assistance_n from_o i_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o conference_n be_v set_v down_o by_o mr._n m._n to_o have_v be_v that_o mr._n g._n affirm_v in_o some_o company_n that_o no_o protestant_n can_v show_v any_o ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o mr._n s._n have_v promise_v he_o that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o manifest_v the_o contrary_a he_o will_v forsake_v our_o communion_n so_o that_o mr._n g._n be_v the_o aggressor_n by_o lay_v this_o charge_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o can_v show_v no_o ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n for_o our_o faith._n and_o therefore_o when_o in_o the_o conference_n i_o assign_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o universal_a tradition_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v reason_n in_o my_o expostulatory_a letter_n to_o mr._n g._n to_o desire_n of_o he_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n viz._n the_o scripture_n although_o we_o have_v a_o large_a and_o firm_a tradition_n for_o it_o than_o you_o can_v have_v for_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o this_o plain_o relate_v to_o the_o conference_n wherein_o scripture_n be_v own_a to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o 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